Scottish industry reacts to referendum outcome

Oli Haenlein
· 22 September, 2014

Scotland’s farming and meat bodies have reacted to the independence referendum result by urging their sectors to embrace the decision and drive growth.

Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) chairman Jim McLaren said: “We now move forward with renewed focus on the exciting future for our industry. As we prepare to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink in 2015, we have a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of our iconic brands - Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork.

“Our red meat industry is worth over £2 billion to Scotland’s economy and the appreciation of the quality of our brands by customers south of the border has played a huge part in the growth of our industry.”

NFU Scotland (NFUS) remained impartial in the run up to the referendum, but now that the votes have been cast, it said that Scotland needs to work with the result to develop the industry.

NFUS president Nigel Miller said: “The referendum kindled an unprecedented engagement with politics across rural and urban Scotland. The decision to remain within the Union has been made and that must now provide the platform for Scotland to move on. From our perspective, it is imperative that in moving forward, Scotland fulfils the huge potential within our farming and food and drink sectors.

“As a representative organisation that brings together farmers and crofters across all sectors, we will work to unite all politicians, regardless of party or parliament, on the need to capitalise on the real opportunities for our produce both at home and abroad.”

NFUS has called on the further powers promised to Scotland to be clarified, and is looking forward the debate in Westminster on 16 October, where extra devolution will be discussed.